Du'a During Rain..

Rain, baarish, matar.. Is it just me ladies, or has it been pouring alot lately (alhamdulillah, love it!) ? Anyways, as we know, there are certain times that are the best times to make du'a (supplication). One of those times is at the time of the rain.

Narrated Sahel Ibn Sa'ad (radhiAllaahu 'anh): The Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him) said:

 'Two will not be rejected, Supplication when the Adhaan (call of prayer) is being called, and at the time of the rain'.

[Al-Hakim 2: 114, and Abu Dawud #2540, ibn Majah]

 Imam al-Shafi' in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469 is reported to have said:

"Seek the response to your du'as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls."

The time of the rain is a time of mercy from Allaah (azz wa jal) so, one should take advantage of this time when Allaah is having Mercy on His slaves.

Jannah (Paradise)

Ibn al-Qayyim's (Rahimullah) beautiful description of Paradise from his book, 'Haadi al-Arwaah'.


Ibn al-Qayyim said, in regards to the description of Paradise and the delights that it contains:


"And if you ask about its ground and its soil, then it is of musk and saffron. And if you ask about its roof, then it is the Throne of the Most Merciful. And if you ask about its rocks, then they are pearls and jewels. And if you ask about its buildings, then they are made of bricks of gold and silver. And if you ask about its trees, then it does not contain a single tree except that its trunk is made of gold and silver. And if you ask about its fruits, then they are softer than butter and sweeter than honey. And if you ask about its leaves, then they are softer than the softest cloth. And if you ask about its rivers, then there are rivers of milk who's taste does not change, and rivers of wine that is delicious to those who drink it,and rivers of honey that is pure, and rivers of water that is fresh. And if you ask about their food, then it is fruits from whatever they will choose, and the meat of whatever birds they desire. And if you ask about their drink, then it is Tasneem, ginger, and Kaafoor. And if you ask about their drinking cups, then they are crystal-clear and made of gold and silver. And if you ask about its shade, then a fast rider would ride in the shade of one of its trees for a hundred years and not escape it. And if you ask about its vastness, then the lowest of its people would have within his kingdom and walls and palaces and gardens the distance that would be travelled in a thousand years. And if you ask about its tents and encampments, then one tent is like a concealed pearl that is sixty miles long. And if you ask about its towers, then they are rooms above rooms in buildings that have rivers running underneath them. And if you ask about how far it reaches into the sky, then look at the shining star that is visible, as well as those that are far in the heavens that the eyesight cannot possibly reach. And if you ask about the clothing of its inhabitants, then they are of silk and gold. And if you ask about its beds, then its blankets are of the finest silk laid out in the highest of its levels. And if you ask about the faces of its inhabitants and their beauty, then they are like the image of the Moon. And if you ask about their age, then they are young ones of 33 years in the image of Adam, the father of humanity. And if you ask about what they will be hearing, then it is the singing of their wives from among the Hoor al-'Ayn, and better than that are the voices of the Angels and the Prophets, and better than that is the Speech of the Lord of the Worlds. And if you ask about their servants, then they are young boys of everlasting youth who resemble scattered pearls.


And if you ask about their brides and wives, then they are young and full-breasted and have had the liquid of youth flow through their limbs; the Sun runs along the beauty of her face if she shows it, light shines from between her teeth if she smiles; if you meet her love, then say whatever you want regarding the joining of two lights; he sees his face in the roundness of her cheek as if he is looking into a polished mirror, and he sees the brightness from behind her muscles and bones; if she were to be unleashed upon the World, she would fill what is between the Heavens and the Earth with a beautiful wind, and the mouths of the creation would glorifiy, praise and exclaim greatness, and everything between the East and the West would be adorned for her, and every eye would be shut from everthing but her, and the light of the Sun would be outshone just as the light of the Sun outshines the light of the stars, and everyone on the face of the Earth would believe in the Ever-Living, the One who Sustains and Protects all the exists. And the covering on her head is better than the World and all that is in it, and she does not increase with age except in beauty; free from an umbilical cord, childbirth and menses, and pure of mucous, saliva, urine and other filthy things; her youth never fades, her clothing is never worn out, no garment can be created that matches her beauty, and no one who is with her can ever become bored; her attention is restricted to her husband, so she desires none but him, just as his attention is restricted to her so she is the sole object of his desire, and he is with her in utmost safety and security, as none has touched her before of either humans or Jinn.


And if you ask about the Day of Increase (in reward) and the visit of the all-Mighty, all-Wise, and the sight of His Face - free from any resemblance or likeness to anything - as you see the Sun in the middle of the day and the full Moon on a cloudless night, then listen on the day that the caller will call: 'O People of Paradise! Your Lord - Blessed and Exalted - requests you to visit Him, so come to visit Him!'  So they will say: 'We hear and obey!'  Until, when they finally reach the wide valley where they will all meet - and none of them will turn down the request of the caller - the Lord -Blessed and Exalted - will order His Chair to be brought there. Then, pulpits of light will emerge, as well as pulpits of pearls, gemstone, gold, and silver. The lowest of them in rank will sit on sheets of musk, and will not see what those who are on the chairs above them are given. When they are comfortable where they are sitting and are secure in their places, and the caller calls: 'O People of Paradise! You have an appointment with Allaah in which He wishes to reward you!' So they will say: 'And what is that reward? Has He not already made our faces bright, made our scales heavy, entered us into Paradise, and pushed us away from the Fire?' And when they are like that, all of a sudden a light will shines that will encompass all of Paradise. So, they raise their heads, and, behold: the Compeller - Exalted is He, and Holy are His Names - has come to them from above them and majestified them and Said: 'O People of Paradise! Peace be upon you!' So, His greeting will not be responded to with anything better than: 'O Allaah! You are Peace, and from You is Peace! Blessed are You, O possessor of Majesty and Honor!' So the Lord - Blessed and Exalted - will Laugh to them
and say: 'O People of Paradise! Where are those who used to obey Me without having ever seen Me? This is the Day of Increase!' So, they will all give the same response: 'We are pleased, so be pleased with us!' So, He will Say: 'O People of Paradise! If I were not pleased with you, I would not have made you inhabitants of My Paradise! So, ask of Me!' So, they will all give the same response: 'Show us your Face so that we may look at it!' So, the Lord - Mighty and Majestic - will remove His Covering and will Majestify them and will Cover them with His Light, which, if Allaah - the Exalted - had not Willed not to burn them, would have burned them. And there will not remain a single person in this gathering except that his Lord - the Exalted - will Speak to him and Say: 'Do you remember the day that you did this and that?' and He will remind him of some of his bad deeds in the Worldy life, so he will say: 'O Lord! Will you not forgive me?' So, He will say: 'Of course! You have not reached this position of yours (in Paradise) except by my forgiveness. '


So, how sweet is this speech to the ears, and how cooled are the righteous
eyes by the glance at His Noble Face in the Afterlife...


"Some faces that Day will be shining and radiant, looking at their Lord.." (al-Qiyaamah: 22:3)


SubhaanAllaah.


May Allaah (azz wa jal) make us among the inhabitants of Paradise. *Ameen*

Urwah ibn al-Zubayr (RadhiAllaahu anhu) narrated:

 “Aisha (RadhiAllaahu anha) the wife of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: ‘By Allaah, I saw the Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him) standing at the door of my apartment when the Abyssinians were playing with their spears in the Mosque of the Prophet (peace be upon him). He covered me with his cloak so that I could watch their games, then he stood there for my sake until I was the one who had had enough. So you should appreciate the fact that young girls like to have fun.’”

--Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 443; Muslim, 892

Abu Hurayrah (RadhiAllaahu anhu) reported:

"Ad-dunya sijnul mu'mini wa jannatul kaafiri."
"The world is a prison for the believers and paradise for the disbelievers."

-- Sahih Muslim.

One Autumn Day..

 It was another ordinary day at work. The sun was shining outside, the marvelous colours of fall had set in to the leaves, and there was just the slightest breeze. Both arms perched on the counter, Sara sighed as she stared at the empty aisle in front of her. Ofcourse she had to be stuck indoors working when she'd much rather be out enjoying the beautiful weather on such a day, she thought to herself. The hustle and bustle of people walking in and out of the store was normal for a weekend. Sara had gotten use to the crowds, especially the stares and glares she got from people sometimes. Many times she could feel their questionning eyes on her. It didn't bother her though. She knew the reason she got such glares was because she looked different in the way she dressed, and didn't conform to the rules of society, but to the Rules of Allaah (azz wa jal). Her uniform consisted of her donning the entire Hijaab ('abaaya and long headscarf) along with her workplace t-shirt (which would end up being covered by the long headscarf anyway). Even though they questionned her attire, they never dared to ask about it. Perhaps this was because they respected it.. or maybe they just couldn't be bothered. Whatever it was, she was grateful to Allaah (azz wa jal) she had not encountered any problems.

Today was different though. Today, as she was dealing with the few customers who had lined up at her counter, Sara noticed one particular customer; A fairly middle-aged lady, short white hair, with light blue eyes, just staring at her with a warm smile. Naturally, Sara returned her smile. As she continued to help the other customers, she kept glancing up at the lady, who she noticed kept a studying gaze firmly on her. When it was her turn, she walked upto the counter and Sara greeted her like she did all her customers. The lady greeted her back and engaged in small talk as Sara completed her purchase. At the end of her purchase, the lady thanked her and was turning around to leave when she paused and turned back to Sara. She leaned in on the counter as though she were telling Sara a secret. Oddly enough, there was noone else around to hear it even if she was going to do so. Puzzled, Sara listened closely and intently as the lady whispered with a smile, "Dear, you are such a young girl, why do you cover your hair with that? Why do you wear that black robe? You're young, you should take it off and live freely!". At first Sara was taken aback. She was shocked and just stared at  her for a moment. Noone had ever asked her such a thing. She was surprised, but also commended this lady's courage. So she took a deep breath, smiled and replied, "I cover my hair with this cloth known as a Hijaab, and cover myself with this robe which is known as an 'abaaya because Allaah has commanded me to do so. For me, this is my freedom. It allows me to be known and respected for my intellect rather than my appearance." The lady went on, "But you should have a choice. *insert hearty laugh*" to which Sara replied, " This is my choice though. I do this because I want to please my Creator, not out of oppression or because someone is telling me to do so." Needless to say, the lady just stood there and watched Sara for a moment. She shook her head from side to side ever so slightly and then, with her warm smile and a polite, "Ok dear, if you say so. Have a nice day", she walked away..


Here's a beautiful little excerpt, " My dear sister in Islam, I know that it is quite difficult for you to go out wearing Hijab in a society that mocks and torments you. I know that you, indeed, feel strange and out of place. However, if you knew the status of those who are mocked by the Kufar as well as the status of the strangers, you will continue to wear your Hijab (i.e. to cover your entire body with a Khimaar as commanded (24:31), as well as with a Jilbaab (33:59), with the exception of the hands and face; however, knowing the recommendation to cover those parts (as well) with dignity. Allah (Subhaanahu wa T'aala) says in His Book: “Verily! (During the worldly life) those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed. And whenever they passed by them, used to wink one to another (in mockery); And when they returned to their own people, they would return jesting; and when they saw them, they said: ‘Verily! These have indeed gone astray!’ But they (disbelievers, sinners) had not been sent as watchers over them (the believers). But on this Day (the Day of Resurrection) those who believe will laugh at the disbelievers. On (high) thrones, looking (at all things). Are not the disbelievers paid (fully) for what they used to do?” [Surah Al-Mutafifin 83:29-36] "

Allah’s (azz wa jal) words should serve as a support for you my dear sisters. Also, take comfort in being a stranger. Allaah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Islam began as something strange, and it would revert to its (old position) of being strange, so good tidings for the strangers.” [Narrated by Abu Huraira and Reported Sahih Muslim]

Indeed, all praises are due to Allaah, we praise Him, seek His Aid and beg for His Forgiveness. We ask Him to give us strength, make the hardships of all our brothers and sisters in Islam easier, and keep us all steadfast on this Deen. *Ameen*

Friday Reminder #3

Coming early to Jumu’ah brings a great reward.

Al-Bukhaari (814) and Muslim (850) narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“Whoever does ghusl on Friday like ghusl for janaabah, then goes to the prayer (in the first hour, i.e., early), it is as if he sacrificed a camel. Whoever goes in the second hour, it is as if he sacrificed a cow; whoever goes in the third hour, it is as if he sacrificed a horned ram; whoever goes in the fourth hour, it is as if he sacrificed a hen; and whoever goes in the fifth hour it is as if he offered an egg. When the imam comes out, the angels come to listen to the khutbah.”

Hadith of the Day

'Abdullah ibn 'Amr said:

 "A man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and made a pledge to him that he would do hijra. He left his parents who were in tears. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'Go back to them and make them laugh as you made them weep.'"

--Bukhari; Adab Al-Mufrad, 6 #13

The Jilbaab..

"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their Jalabeeb over their bodies. That will be better (for them), (so) that they shall be known (as free respectable women and) and not harmed. And Allaah is ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

--Surah al-Ahzaab [33]:59

The term 'Jalabeeb' mentioned in this verse from the Qur'an is plural for the word 'Jilbaab'. This clears the modern belief that Jilbaab is a new innovation. Contrary to that belief, it is instead an important part of the well known attire of the dress code for Muslim women.

Umm Salamah, the Mother of the believers said:

Clearly this is no ordinary peace of cloth. From the above stated verse and proofs, we can see it is actually fardh (obligatory) upon the Muslim women. 

Once we are told and given evidences regarding whether something is fardh what do we do? We do as the Salaf-as-Salih did -- 'We hear and we obey'.

May Allaah ('azza wa jal) fill all our hearts with steadfastness in that which He Loves. *Ameen*

*As always, I would definitely recommend doing your own research as well just for a stronger base for yourself as well as to strenghthen your own understanding on the conditions of Jilbaab.

“When the verse, "That they should draw their jalaabeeb close around them" was revealed, the women of Ansaar came out as if they had crows over their heads by wearing Jalaabeeb.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 32, #4090)

Ibn Kathir (rahimullaah) has said:

‘Allaah (subhaanahu wa t'aala) commands His Messenger (peace be upon him) to command the believing women – especially his wives and daughters – to draw the Jilbaab over their persons’

In the Oxford Dictionary of Islam edited by John L. Esposito, it defines the term 'Jilbab' as:

‘A Generic term for women’s outer garment (shawl, cloak, wrap) in Arabian sedentary communities before and after the rise of Islam. The Qur’an (33:59) instructs Muslim women to cloak themselves as a mark of status and as a defensive measure against sexual harassment in public places.’

Fatwa about wearing henna on the hands:Applying Henna on the Hands


Question: What is the ruling regarding colouring the hands with henna?

Response: Colouring the hands with henna is something which the women are acquainted with, and it is a custom which is practiced for [the purpose of] beautification; So long as therein is beauty for the woman, then it is expected of her to beautify herself for her husband whether or not its application includes the fingernails or not.


Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen
I`laam al-Mu`aasireen bi-Fataawa Ibn `Uthaymeen - Page 211

Ruling concerning circular shaped gold jewellery
Question:What is the ruling concerning circular shaped gold jewellery?


Response: It is permissible for women to wear either circular shaped or non-circularshaped gold jewellery. This  is based on the general meaning of the verse, {[Do they then like for Allaah] a creature who is brought up in adornments [wearing silk and gold ornaments, i.e., women] and in dispute cannot make herself clear?}, [al-Zukhruf 18]. Allaah has mentioned that wearing jewellery is a characteristic of women. This is general and covers gold as well as other jewellery. Furthermore, Ahmad, Abu Daawood and an-Nasaa.ee record with a good chain from the Leader of the Faithful 'Alee ibn Abu Taalib that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu`alayhe wa sallam) took silk in his right hand and gold in his left and then said, ((These two are forbidden for the males of my Nation.)), In the narration by Ibn Maajah, it ends, ((And permissible for its women.)) Also, Ahmad, an-Nasaa.ee, at-Tirmidhee-- who said it is saheeh-- Abu Daawood, al-Haakim-- who also called it saheeh-- at-Tabaraanee and Ibn Hazm- who again said it is saheeh-- all record from Abu Moosaa al-Ash'aree that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said, ((Gold and silk have been made permissible for the females of my Nation and forbidden for its males.))


Shaykh Ibn Baaz (rahimullaah)
Fataawa al-Mar.ah

A Pearl of Wisdom..

Everything precious is naturally hidden and protected. Diamonds?Deep in the earth. Pearls? Deep in the sea protected in a shell. Gold? Deep in mines, well hidden. Your bodies are much more valuable than any minerals. Why expose them? Hijaab is not a different definition of beauty-- its the only one.

Belief in the Attributes of Allaah

Assalam 'alaykum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh.

Narrated 'Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha):

The Prophet ( صلى الله عليه و سلم ) sent (an army unit) under the command of a man who used to lead his companions in the prayers and would finish his recitation with (Surah Al-Ikhlaas,112): 'Say (O Muhammad): "He is Allah, the One." ' (112:1) When they returned (from the battle), they mentioned that to the Prophet. He said (to them), "Ask him why he does so." They asked him and he said, "I do so because it mentions the qualities of the Beneficent and I love to recite it (in my prayer)." The Prophet said (to them), "Tell him that Allah loves him."

--Sahih Bukhari

The following are some of the statements of the four imaams (Imaam Abu Haneefah, Imaam Malik, Imaam ash-Shaafi'ee, and Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal) about what they believed on issues pertaining to the foundations of Islam. These have been retracted from the book, The Creed of the Four Imaams (edited and revised by Br. Moosaa Richardson).

Imaam Abu Haneefah has said:

"Allaah is not to be described with the attributes of the creation. His Anger and His Pleasure are two Attributes from His Attributes, without inquiry into their specific details, and this is the statement of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah. He becomes angry, and He becomes pleased; and it is not to be said: His Anger is His Punishment, and His Pleasure is His Reward. We describe Him as He has described Himself, One, Eternal, He does not beget, nor is He begotten, and there is none equal to Him, the Ever-Living, All-Capable, All-Hearing, Ever-Watchful, All-Knowing,. The Hand of Allaah is above their hands. It is not like the hands of His creation, and His Face is not like the face of His creation." (p. 23)

"And He has a Hand, a Face, and an Essence (thaat), as Allaah the Exalted mentions in the Qur'aan. So whatever Allaah the Exalted mentioned in the Qur'aan in regards to the Face, Hand, and Essence, then these are His Attributes without inquiry (about their specific details)." (p. 24)

A man asked Imaam Abu Haneefah, "What do you say about the statement of Allaah the Exalted,

"And He is with you."

(Surah Al-Hadeed 57:4)

He said, "It is like when you write to someone, 'Verily I am with you,' whilst you are absent from him." (p. 26)

 

 Imaam Maalik Ibn Anas has said:

"It is inconceivable to suggest that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم )  taught his Ummah about the manners of cleansing themselves after using the bathroom , yet he did not teach them tawheed. Tawheed is what the Prophet  ( صلى الله عليه و سلم ) spoke of:

'I have been commanded to fight the people until they say: There is no diety worthy of worship besides Allaah...'

-Related by Al-Bukhari (3/262), Muslim (1/51)

(pg. 37)

 

Imaam Ash-Shaafi'ee has said:

"... there is no diety worthy of worship besides Allaah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah; and that Allaah the Exalted is above His Throne, above His sky, He draws close to His creation however He wishes, and that Allaah the Exalted descends to the lowest heavens however He wishes." (p. 54)

Ath-Thahabee mentions that ash-Shaafi'ee said, "We affirm these attributes that

Qur'aan came with, and those that are mentionedin the Sunnah; and we negate the idea of something resembling Him (tashbeeh), since He negated this from Himself, saying,

"There is nothing like unto Him" (Surah Ash-Shu'ara 42:11)

(p. 56)

Imaam Ahmad has said:

"Allaah speaks continuously, and the Qur'aan is the Speech of Allaah the Mighty and Majestic, it is not created. And in no way is Allaah to be described with anything more than what He - the Mighty and Majestic - has described Himself with." (p. 82)

And Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimullaah) mentioned that Imaam Ahmad said, " We believe that Allaah is above His Throne however He wishes and in whatever way He wishes, without any specific way or a description that a person can understand or describe. Knowledge of the Attributes of Allaah has come from Him, and they are established for Him (as His true Attributes).." (p. 84)

"You should not look at what the person used to do, rather you should look at what kind of person they are today. The one who gets bogged down about people's pasts, is just like Iblees (shayataan) who said to Allaah (subhaanahu wa t'aala), 'You created me from fire and you created him from clay'."

--Shaykh Ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah Al-Minhaaj volume 2 page 430.

Friday Reminder #2

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“The five daily prayers, and from one Jumu’ah to the next, are an expiation for whatever sins come in between, so long as one does not commit any major sin.”

--Muslim



What's in a Dream.. but a Sign??

“…And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him.” (Qur’an, 65:3)

Allaah (Subhaanahu wa T'aala) responds to the call of His servant when he asks for guidance.

   Istikharaah is when you ask  Allaah to guide you to a path that is best for you regarding an affair in which there are two (or more) halal options. In matters that are waajib (obligatory), haraam (forbidden) or makrooh (disliked) there is no need to pray Istikharaah. Salaat-ul-Istikhaara should only be used for matters that are mubaah (allowed) or in matters that are mustahabb (liked or encouraged), for which one needs guidance in making a decision (i.e. going to grad school, getting married or geting a new job etc.).

   Alot of cultures however, have submerged many cultural practices into how an istikhaara should be treated/followed. For example, many will pray salaat-ul-istikhaara, read the du'a.. and literally RUN to bed expecting to see a dream showing them some 'sign' within the dream. If not a dream, they'll expect to see a sign on a bus, or even a billboard to go by them on the highway with some 'message' plastered on it. That is NOT the purpose of this salaah. Istikhaara is not about having a dream or seeing a 'sign'. You've been given a brain to think and logic to understand alhamdulillah. Even psychologically speaking, if you're expecting a dream, that 'sign' or dream is more than likely to be whatever is in your subconscious.

Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allah al-Salami (may Allaah be pleased with him) said:

“The Messenger(peace be upon him) used to teach his companions to make istikhaara in all things, just as he used to teach them surahs from the Qur’an. He said: ‘If any one of you is concerned about a decision he has to make, then let him pray two rak’ahs of non-obligatory prayer, then say:

Allaahumma inni astakheeruka bi ‘ilmika wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika wa as’aluka min fadlika, fa innaka taqdiru wa laa aqdir, wa ta’lamu wa laa a’lam, wa anta ‘allaam al-ghuyoob. Allaahumma fa in kunta ta’lamu haadha’l-amra (then the matter should be mentioned by name) khayran li fi ‘aajil amri wa aajilihi (or: fi deeni wa ma’aashi wa ‘aaqibati amri) faqdurhu li wa yassirhu li thumma baarik li fihi. Allaahumma wa in kunta ta’lamu annahu sharrun li fi deeni wa ma’aashi wa ‘aaqibati amri (or: fi ‘aajili amri wa aajilihi) fasrifni ‘anhu [wasrafhu ‘anni] waqdur li al-khayr haythu kaana thumma radini bihi.

“O Allah, I seek Your guidance [in making a choice] by virtue of Your knowledge, and I seek ability by virtue of Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. You have power, I have none. And You know, I know not. You are the Knower of hidden things. O Allah, if in Your knowledge, this matter (then it should be mentioned by name) is good for me both in this world and in the Hereafter (or: in my religion, my livelihood and my affairs), then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if in Your knowledge it is bad for me and for my religion, my livelihood and my affairs (or: for me both in this world and the next), then turn me away from it, [and turn it away from me], and ordain for me the good wherever it may be and make me pleased with it.”

The Prophet (peace be upon him) added that then the person should mention his need."
[Sahih Bukhari]

If we reviews the wording of the hadith, we finds that it is not asking for a dream, it is asking Allaah (Subhaanahu wa T'aala) to make one's affairs occur in the best possible way.
Many people don't realise that they should proceed with the intended action and not wait for a dream or sign. If a person proceeds with their intended action and nothing happens, then that itself is a sign that your isikhaara du'a was granted, and that the correct choice was made.  Basically, you go by your inclinations, whether you  are now more inclined to something or not. Also, you may notice events have changed, either for or against you. The results of an istikhaara MUST be followed, because not doing so is rejecting Allaah's guidance once you've asked for it.

May Allaah give us peace of mind about our matters and concerns, and grant us satisfaction in our affairs. *Aameen*

Is Music Permissible?

Allaah (Subhaanahu wa t'ala) says in the Qur'an in surah Al-Luqmaan:

"And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (i.e. music, singing) to mislead (men) from the path of Allaah.." [Luqmaan 31:6]

 The Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

 "Among my Ummah there will certainly be people who permit zinaa, silk, alcohol and musical instruments.."

--Narrated by Al-Bukhaari ta'leeqan, no.5990. Classed as Saheeh by Ibn Al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him).

Shaykh Al-Albaani (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

"The four madhabs are agreed that all musical instruments are haraam"

--Al-Saheehah 1/145

The Blessing of Mercy

"Allaah has divided mercy into one hundred parts. He kept ninety-nine parts with Him and sent down one part on the earth. And because of that, one single part, His creatures are merciful to each other, so that even the mare lifts up its hoof away from its baby animal, so that she would not trample on it."

-Bukhari & Muslim reported from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Supplication on the day of 'Arafah



It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“The best of du’a is du’a on the day of ‘Arafah, and the best that I and the Prophets before me said is:

Laa ilaaha illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulku walahul-hamdu wahuwa ‘ala kulli shay-in qadeer

(There is no god but Allaah alone, with no partner or associate; His is the dominion, to Him be praise, and He has power over all things).

[Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (3585) classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb (1536)]

The Day of 'Arafah

The ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah is the day of ’Arafah, since it is on this day that the pilgrims gather at the mountain plain of ’Arafah, praying and supplicating to their Lord.

It is mustahabb (highly recommended) for those who are not pilgrims to fast on this day, since the Prophet (sallAllaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked about fasting on the day of ’Arafah, so he said, “It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” -Related by Muslim (no. 1162), from Aboo Qataadah (radhiAllaahu ’anhu).

Likewise, the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘There is no day on which Allaah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ’Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ’Arafah), and then He revels before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.” -Related by Muslim (no. 1348), from A‘ishah (radhiAllaahu ’anha).

Imaam at-Tirmidhee (rahimullaah) said, “The People of Knowledge consider it recommended to fast on the day of ’Arafah, except for those at ’Arafah.” -Refer to Jaami’ut-Tirmidhee (3/377).

Friday Reminder

Hadhrat Ali Ibn Abu Taalib (RadhiAllaahu Anhu) narrated:

              When Friday comes, the devils go to the markets with their flags, and involve people in their needs and prevent them from the Friday prayer. The angels come early in the morning, sit at the door of the mosque, and record that so-and-so came at the first hour, and so-and-so came at the second hour until the imam comes out (for preaching). When a man sits in a place where he can listen (to the sermon) and look (at the imam), where he remains silent and does not interrupt, he will receive a double reward. If he stays away, sits in a place where he cannot listen (to the sermon), silent, and does not interrupt, he will receive the reward only once. If he sits in a place where he can listen (to the sermon) and look (at the imam), and he does not remain silent, he will have the burden of it. If anyone says to his companion sitting besides him to be silent (while the imam is preaching), he is guilty of idle talk. Anyone who interrupts (during the sermon) will receive nothing (no reward) on that Friday. Then he (the narrator) says in the end of this tradition: I heard the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) say so.

--Abu Dawood 1046

A Moment of Inspiration..

              "A woman’s beauty is not in her features, the shade of her skin, or her possessions. True beauty is in her heart, in her Imaan, her Taqwa, and love for her Deen."

Kindness Towards Parents

Narrated 'Abdullah: I asked the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) "Which deed is the dearest to Allah?" He replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." I asked, "What is the next [in goodness]?" He replied, "To be good and dutiful to your parents" I again asked, "What is the next [in goodness]?" He replied, "To participate in Jihaad (struggling) in Allah's cause." Abdullah added, I asked only that much and if I had asked more, the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) would have told me more." ~  Sahih Bukhari [1.505][8:1]

If We Could See the Unseen

   Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam) said, "Allah has some angels who look for those who celebrate the Praises of Allah on the roads and paths. And when they find some people celebrating the Praises of Allah, they call each other, saying, "Come to the object of your pursuit."


He (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam) added, "Then the angels encircle them with their wings up to the sky of the world."


He (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallam) added, "(after those people celebrated the Praises of Allah, and the angels go back), their Lord, asks them (those angels) ----though He knows better than them---- 'What do My slaves say?' The angels reply, 'They say: Subhan Allah, Allahu Akbar, and Alham-du-lillah, Allah then says 'Did they see Me?' The angels reply, 'No! By Allah, they didn't see You.'


Allah says, how it would have been if they saw Me?' The angels reply, 'If they saw You, they would worship You more devoutly and celebrate Your Glory more deeply, and declare Your freedom from any resemblance to anything more often.'


Allah says (to the angels), 'What do they ask Me for?' The angels reply, 'They ask You for Paradise.' Allah says (to the angels), 'Did they see it?' The angels say, 'No! By Allah, O Lord! They did not see it.' Allah says, How it would have been if they saw it?' The angels say, 'If they saw it, they would have greater covetousness for it and would seek it with greater zeal and would have greater desire for it.'


Allah says, 'From what do they seek refuge?' The angels reply, 'They seek refuge from the (Hell) Fire.' Allah says, 'Did they see it?' The angels say, 'No By Allah, O Lord! They did not see it.' Allah says, How it would have been if they saw it?' The angels say, 'If they saw it they would flee from it with the extreme fleeing and would have extreme fear from it.'


Then Allah says, 'I make you witnesses that I have forgiven them.'  




--Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8. Book 75, Hadith 417.